Ruffed Grouse (Bonasaumbellus)

Taxonomy

French:Gélinotte huppéeGerman:KragenhuhnSpanish:Grévol engolado

Taxonomy:

Tetrao umbellus

Linnaeus

, 1766,

Pennsylvania, USA

.

Known to have hybridized, very rarely, with Falcipennis canadensis. Variation complex, and compounded by existence of both grey and brown morphs, as well as intermediates; some geographical variation clinal. Different subspecies and colour morphs are linked to both climatic factors and specific vegetation zones#R. Some of the races listed (e.g. affinis, thayeri, helmei) may not be tenable. Sixteen subspecies currently recognized.